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What is Preventive Dental Care?

Preventive dental care is an important element in maintaining good oral health. It includes practices that support teeth and gums such as brushing and flossing. This is done in conjunction with maintaining a healthy diet, and seeing a dentist regularly for checkups and routine cleanings.

The Basics of Preventative Dental Care

The most obvious, and no doubt the most important element of preventative dental care, is brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing helps to remove plaque from the surfaces and in between the teeth.

Some basic recommendations that can easily be followed at home include:

  • Brush twice a day
  • Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles (biodegradable toothbrushes are a good choice)
  • Use a gentle, circular motion
  • Brush the tongue or use a tongue scraper
  • Replace toothbrush every three or four months (sooner if the bristles begin to wear)
  • Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner (wide floss is best)
  • Rinse using a fluoride and alcohol-free mouth wash such as Xylitol based rinses

Use a Natural Mouthwash

Using a natural mouthwash in combination with routine brushing and flossing is the best way to reduce oral bacteria and maintain (or achieve) optimal oral health and hygiene. In addition to being gentle, the essential oils and herbal extracts found in many natural oral rinses are also valued for their therapeutic properties. Natural preservative-free oral rinses that contain specific essential oils can offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This goes beyond what you might typically expect to find in commercial mouthwash products.

Healthy Diet – Healthy Teeth

Good nutrition combined with a well-balanced diet is one of the best defenses against tooth decay and periodontal disease. Choosing the right combination of vitamins, minerals and supplements can help to support teeth and gums and also promote a healthy immune system – which in turn helps to ward off disease and decay. Eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates all too often leave behind harmful acids and bacteria that linger in the mouth and lead to tooth decay and serious gum issues. The biggest culprits include carbonated beverages, sugary fruit juices and starchy foods such as pasta, bread and cereal.

Maintaining a healthy diet to support healthy bones, gums and teeth is paramount for maintaining optimal oral health. The best diet is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, high in fresh ‘alive’ foods such as vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts and legumes and contains a healthy dose of natural probiotic-rich foods such as kimchi, kombucha tea, and kefir. An alkaline rich diet sourced naturally from dark green vegetables, root vegetables and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, etc.) is nutrient dense and offers important teeth and bone supporting elements such as; beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C, E, and K; folate; calcium and numerous other minerals.

Your doctor may also provide patients with an oral flora analysis which helps to determine what combination of supplements, homeopathy and probiotics will help a patient rebalance oral flora. An oral flora analysis helps patients to resolve gastrointestinal issues such as candida albicans overgrowth which can affect both the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. This process helps to reduce oral inflammation and eliminate oral pathogens by rebalancing the gut bacteria to support overall healthfulness.

Exercise Prevents Periodontal Disease

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Dentistry reported that people who exercise regularly are at a reduced risk of periodontitis (gum disease).  The study, conducted by Case Western Reserve University, involved more than 12,000 people. It identified three key factors that resulted in better oral health – with an average of 40 percent reduction in gum problems.

They included:

  • Regular exercise
  • Maintaining optimal weight
  • Healthy Diet (Low in Sugars)

Researchers concluded that engaging in the recommended level of exercise is associated with lower incidents of periodontitis (especially among never and former smokers).

How often should I see my dentist?

Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems. These problems include inflammation, dementia, bone loss, heart disease, arthritis, strokes and more. Routine checkups and teeth cleanings can lower a persons’ risk of developing many chronic illnesses while helping to ensure a healthy oral environment.

The general rule of thumb for healthy people with a low risk of developing cavities or gum disease is to see their dentist about once a year. People with a high risk of dental disease such as smokers or diabetics might need to visit more frequently. Sometimes as frequently as every three or four months, or as recommended by the dentist. To schedule an appointment with Dr. A.J. Boyajian call 310-670-6944 or to learn more visit our website.

 

Nathan LeMasternlemaster

Saying Goodbye to Silver Fillings

For years now, groups like the Environmental Protection Agency and The National Institute of Standards and Technology have been working to eliminate the use of mercury thermometers. This is because of the dangers that they pose to both consumers and the environment.  The EPA estimates that over half the mercury used in the U.S. today is currently resting in the mouths of dental patients.2  “Silver” dental amalgams are actually comprised of about 50% pure mercury.

Use of mercury amalgam fillings is still allowed and surprisingly widespread in the U.S. However, an increasing number of patients and doctors are choosing to avoid them.  Some countries in Europe have started banning them3, as the dangers of mercury amalgam dental fillings are becoming more and more well known.

The Dangers

Even at room temperature, mercury evaporates.  Silver fillings will continuously secrete mercury vapor over their entire lifetime.  Chewing, consuming hot foods, and grinding teeth are among the activities that will increase the rate at which this vapor is released.  This is significant, because mercury vapor can easily invade your body. It does this through the respiratory system or even be absorbed through your skin into the bloodstream.  From there, the toxic metal can spread throughout the body or accumulate in more concentrated pockets, most commonly in the liver4, kidneys5, and brain6.

Mercury vapor inhalation produces a molecular lesion in the brain protein that is similar to those found in 80% of alzheimer’s patients’ brains7.  The damage to neuronal cells can be evident in behavioral symptoms such as depression, anxiety and irritability, or physical symptoms such as tremors, headaches, and fatigue.  Mercury also damages the blood brain barrier making the brain. This can make a person more susceptible to damage from other heavy metals in the environment.

Studies suggest a correlation between mercury exposure and fatty liver disease.  Oxidation of cells in the liver along with inflammation of the lymph nodes is another problem. Oxidation caused by mercury toxicity can lead to allergies and other complications of the immune system.

The most common effect of acute mercury toxicity is kidney damage and renal failure. But mercury exposure also leads to gastrointestinal complications and circulatory problems.  It is especially detrimental to early childhood and fetal development.  In essence, mercury can and will wreak havoc on almost any biological system. Whenever mercury comes into contact with human tissue, it is never safe.

Minimizing the Danger During Removal

Patients with mercury amalgam fillings are continuously exposed to mercury vapor. The concentration of the vapor and level of exposure is generally at its highest when the filling is being placed.  The removal of these fillings also releases exceptionally high levels of vapor. This is especially true when certain protocols for safe mercury removal are ignored.  Unfortunately, the standard of care for removing metal fillings is very inconsistent in the dental industry.  This makes it crucially important for patients seeking the safe removal of their mercury fillings. Choosing a dentist that has a carefully implemented mercury removal protocols should not be taken lightly.

Multiple precautions must be taken8 to ensure that the patient is not exposed to mercury through the skin or to vapors through the respiratory system.  There are environmental concerns with regard to the disposal of this toxic material.  Furthermore, protective measures are needed to ensure that other patients and staff are not subject to mercury vapor exposure in the office as a result of these procedures.

These precautions include keeping the temperature of the amalgam as low as possible during removal, so as not to release excess levels of vapor.  The office should have an effective suction system with proper discharge disposal.  Protective material should be strategically positioned to protect the soft tissue in and around the mouth.  The patient should have clean air piped in through the nose during the procedure. This is so you won’t be breathing the air immediately surrounding the mercury removal site.  Ambient air evacuation or filtration are needed to protect others in the office from mercury vapor exposure.  All staff involved in the removal procedure should cover all of their skin and wear respirators. This is done to avoid the immediate and accumulative toxic effects of mercury exposure.

Dr. Boyajian has long understood the importance of practicing mercury free dentistry.  Furthermore, he is one of the few dental practitioners in all of Los Angeles with both the knowledge and experience to free patients from ongoing exposure to mercury vapor without exacerbating the problem in the process.  If you would like to make your mouth a mercury-free zone, call today to schedule a consultation.

 

Sources:

1  Peter Gwynne.  “Mercury Thermometers Face Final Phase Out.”  USNews.com.  Inside Science News Service.  25 Feb. 2011.  Web.  29 Feb 2016.
2  “A Comprehensive Review of the Toxic Effects of Mercury in Dental Amalgam Fillings on the Environment and Human Health.”  iaomt.org.  The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.  2016.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016.
3  Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D.  “Mercury Dental Amalgams Banned in 3 Countries.”  Orthomolecular.org.  International Schizophrenia foundation.  11 Nov. 2008.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016.
4  Nicole Cutler.  “Update on Toxins Harming the Liver.”  LiverSupport.com.  Natural Wellness.  20 Apr. 2008.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016.
5  Boyd ND, Benediktsson H, Vimy MJ, Hooper DE, Lorscheider FL.  “Mercury from Dental ‘Silver’ Tooth Fillings Impairs Sheep Kidney Function.  iaomt.org.  Am J Physiol.  1991; 261(4 Pt 2):R1010-R1014.  PubMed ID: 1928419.  2016.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016
6  “Get the Mercury Out:  The Effects of Mercury on the Nervous System.”  Faculty.Washington.edu.  Washington University.  n.d.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016.
7  Russell Blaylock, M.D.  “How Mercury Causes Brain Degeneration.”  Online video.  YouTube.com.  University of Calgary.  13 Apr. 2013.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016.
8  “Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings.”  iaomt.org.  International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.  n.d.  Web.  29 Feb. 2016.

 

Metal versus Ceramic Dental Implants

Titanium Implants
Titanium metal was determined the choice material for implant designs when implants came on the market in the 1980s. When titanium implants were installed correctly, they were thought to withstand the workload of the human jaw most similarly to natural teeth. This metal had a lower risk of complications compared to other metals, and it boasted the best bone integration success rate. Titanium is the “default” material that you will find in practices that perform implant surgeries. It is less expensive, and for the majority of the population, it adequately meets patients’ needs.

Low Risk versus No Risk

There are some downsides, naturally. “Low-risk” does not mean “no-risk.” Implant complications usually involve infection at the site or weakness due to failed integration (merging with bone like a tooth’s root). Implants are a little higher-maintenance at the crown; careful cleaning must become a habit so bacteria do not grow in the microscopic crevices between implant segments.

Allergies to Metal
Also, a small percentage of the population is severely allergic to titanium. The allergy can be tested for ahead of time. Holistic-minded patients and those seeking to detox and heal their physical health should be aware that titanium, like any metal, will find its way into the bloodstream. As long as titanium implants are installed in a patient’s jaw, presence of metal in the blood and underlying health disruptions can be permanent.
Metal-free zirconia ceramic implants are newer to the U.S. market, but have been the choice implants of Europe and Canada for a while. American biological dentists have long been awaiting an alternative to titanium. Patients also seeking this alternative are heaving sighs of relief, particularly those few who are physiologically sensitive to metal.

Zirconia Implants

A Zirconia implant is slightly more expensive than titanium, but the cost covers tangible benefits that titanium cannot promise. Zirconia is just as strong as — if not stronger than — titanium or titanium alloy. It is similar to human bone in structure, thus providing the strength needed to withstand the jaw’s pressure of daily movement when chewing or biting. Because it contains no metal, the body does not reject it as a foreign object or a toxin. This creates a stronger bond and integration into the facial and jaw bones, which means the implant will last a very long time — a lifetime, if installation is done well.

Better Health

The absence of metal also promotes better health in the surrounding tissues. Zirconia is electrochemically inert and attracts less plaque than titanium. Fewer, if any, bacterial infections occur if the implant and crown are carefully maintained with daily hygiene.

Better Aesthetics

Also, sometimes titanium implants will show off slight grayish discoloration around the gum line. Zirconia implants are all white, just like a natural tooth, and will not cause aesthetic disturbances. Dr. Boyajian has over 20 years experience with placing and restoring dental implants cosmetically and holistically. And patient satisfaction tends to be higher with ceramic as well.

The Holistic Approach

As a holistically-minded dentist, I prefer using zirconia over titanium any day… if you couldn’t tell. But I offer both, and many patients are content to settle for titanium if they have tested negative for allergies. Not to mention, implants by themselves are not an end-all solution. Restoring a dying tooth successfully and preventing the need for an implant in the first place is certainly a better route to take. With the aid of ozone gas and a dental laser, restoring a tooth to health is more viable than many people (some other dentists included) think! On the other hand, sometimes implants are the best way to go. I will answer questions and provide all the information patients need so they can make the best decision for themselves. For more information on dental implants, including metal free zirconia ceramic implants call us today to schedule an appointment at (310) 670-6944.

Dr. A. J. Boyajian,  Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com